Turkish citizenship by marriage is one of the most common pathways for foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship, and it involves a structured legal process governed by the Turkish Citizenship Law (Law No. 5901) and its implementing regulation. Under Turkish law, a foreign national who has been married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years and who meets certain additional criteria can apply for Turkish citizenship through a simplified naturalization process. This route is distinct from the general naturalization process, which requires five years of continuous residence, and from the citizenship by investment program, which requires a qualifying financial investment. Marriage-based citizenship provides a pathway for foreign spouses to fully integrate into Turkish society with all the rights and obligations of citizenship, including the right to vote, the right to work without restrictions, and the right to hold a Turkish passport.
The three-year marriage requirement reflects the Turkish government's policy of ensuring that marriages used as a basis for citizenship applications are genuine and enduring relationships rather than marriages of convenience entered into solely for immigration purposes. The authorities take the verification of marriage genuineness seriously, and the application process includes an investigation that may involve home visits, interviews with both spouses, and examination of evidence of the couple's shared life. Applicants who cannot demonstrate a genuine marital relationship may have their applications denied, and those who are found to have entered into a fictitious marriage may face criminal penalties for fraud in addition to the denial of their citizenship application.
For foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens, understanding the citizenship by marriage process is important not only for planning the citizenship application itself but also for managing the legal and practical aspects of living in Turkey during the waiting period. During the three years before the citizenship application becomes eligible, the foreign spouse typically holds a residence permit based on the marriage, which allows them to live in Turkey but does not provide all the rights and benefits of citizenship. The transition from residence permit holder to citizen involves navigating several government agencies and fulfilling documentation requirements that can be complex, particularly for applicants who are not fluent in Turkish or who are unfamiliar with the Turkish bureaucratic system.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Turkish citizenship by marriage as of 2026, covering the eligibility requirements, the application process, the required documents, the investigation and interview process, and the legal implications of acquiring citizenship through marriage. The full text of the Turkish Citizenship Law is available at mevzuat.gov.tr, and information about the application process can be found at adalet.gov.tr. For professional legal assistance with your citizenship by marriage application, Sadaret Law & Consultancy provides comprehensive immigration and citizenship services in Istanbul and throughout Turkey.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for Turkish citizenship by marriage are established in Article 16 of the Turkish Citizenship Law (Law No. 5901). To be eligible, the applicant must be a foreign national who is married to a Turkish citizen and must meet several specific criteria that are designed to ensure the genuineness of the marriage and the applicant's suitability for citizenship. Understanding these requirements in detail is the essential first step for anyone considering a citizenship application through the marriage route.
The primary requirement is that the marriage must have been in effect for at least three years at the time of application. The three-year period is calculated from the date of the official marriage registration, not from the date of the wedding ceremony or the start of the relationship. Marriages registered abroad are recognized for this purpose, provided they have been properly registered with the Turkish authorities (typically through the Turkish consulate in the country where the marriage took place or through the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship in Turkey). If the marriage was not initially registered in Turkey, the registration should be completed before beginning the citizenship application process.
Beyond the three-year marriage requirement, the applicant must demonstrate a genuine marital relationship with the Turkish citizen spouse. The law uses the phrase "living together in family unity" (aile birligi icinde yasama) to describe this requirement, which means that the couple must be cohabiting, sharing a household, and maintaining a genuine marital relationship. Evidence of cohabitation includes shared residence registration, joint utility accounts, shared bank accounts or financial records, photographs and documentation of the couple's life together, and testimony from neighbors and acquaintances. The applicant must also demonstrate that they have not engaged in any activities that are incompatible with the institution of marriage, which is interpreted as requiring marital fidelity and commitment.
Additional eligibility requirements include the absence of a national security threat, meaning that the applicant must not be considered a danger to Turkey's national security by the relevant intelligence and security agencies. The applicant must also have a clean criminal record, both in Turkey and in their home country, with serious criminal convictions potentially disqualifying an applicant. Unlike the general naturalization process, the marriage-based citizenship route does not require the applicant to demonstrate Turkish language proficiency or pass a civics exam, although the investigation process may assess the applicant's ability to communicate in Turkish as an indicator of integration. There is also no specific income or employment requirement, though the applicant's financial situation may be examined as part of the overall assessment of the marriage's genuineness.
Marriage Registration in Turkey
Proper registration of the marriage is a prerequisite for the citizenship application, and understanding the Turkish marriage registration system helps ensure that this foundational step is completed correctly. Turkey recognizes two types of marriage: civil marriage (resmi nikah) and religious marriage (dini nikah), but only civil marriage has legal validity under Turkish law. Religious marriage ceremonies alone do not create a legally recognized marriage and cannot serve as the basis for a citizenship application. All marriages in Turkey must be performed by an authorized marriage officer and registered in the civil records to be legally effective.
For marriages that take place in Turkey, the process begins with an application to the marriage office (evlendirme memurlu) at the municipality where the couple intends to marry. Both parties must submit certain documents, including valid identity documents (passport for the foreign national), a certificate of eligibility to marry (evlenme ehliyet belgesi) from the foreign national's home country or consulate, a health report, photographs, and completed application forms. The certificate of eligibility to marry is a critical document that confirms that the foreign national is legally free to marry under the laws of their home country, and it must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Turkish. After the documents are reviewed and approved, the marriage ceremony is performed by the authorized officer, and the marriage is registered in Turkey's civil registration system.
For marriages that take place abroad, the marriage must be recognized and registered in Turkey for it to serve as the basis for a citizenship application. The most common way to register a foreign marriage in Turkey is through the Turkish consulate in the country where the marriage took place, which can add the marriage record to the Turkish civil registration system. Alternatively, the couple can register the foreign marriage at the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship (Nufus ve Vatandaslik Il Mudurlugu) after arriving in Turkey. The registration requires the submission of the marriage certificate, apostilled or legalized and translated into Turkish, along with the identity documents of both parties. Once the marriage is registered in the Turkish civil records, the three-year waiting period for the citizenship application begins to run from the original date of the marriage, not from the date of registration in Turkey.
It is important to note that Turkey does not recognize polygamous marriages, same-sex marriages, or marriages involving parties who do not meet the minimum age requirements (18 years for both parties, with judicial approval possible for 17-year-olds in exceptional circumstances). If a foreign national's home country permits types of marriages that are not recognized under Turkish law, such marriages cannot be registered in Turkey and cannot serve as the basis for a citizenship application. Additionally, marriages between close relatives (as defined by the Turkish Civil Code) are prohibited, and any marriage that violates these restrictions is considered void and unregistrable. Ensuring that your marriage complies with Turkish legal requirements is a fundamental step that should be verified at the earliest opportunity.
Application Process Step by Step
The application process for Turkish citizenship by marriage involves several stages, beginning with the preparation of documents and ending with the issuance of the Turkish identity card and passport. Each stage has its own requirements, timelines, and potential challenges, and understanding the process in advance helps applicants prepare effectively and avoid unnecessary delays. The entire process typically takes six months to one year from the submission of the application to the final decision, although individual timelines can vary significantly.
The first step is the preparation and collection of all required documents. This includes obtaining the necessary documents from your home country (such as the birth certificate, criminal background check, and any other documents that may be required), having them apostilled or legalized, and translating them into Turkish by a sworn translator. It also includes gathering Turkish documents such as the residence permit, the marriage registration record, proof of address, and photographs. All documents must be current, and many documents have validity periods that must be observed. For example, criminal background checks are typically required to be no older than six months. Starting the document collection process early is important because obtaining apostilled documents from abroad can take several weeks.
The application is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nufus ve Vatandaslik Il Mudurlugu) in the province where the applicant resides. The application can be submitted in person or through an authorized lawyer with a power of attorney. At the time of submission, the directorate reviews the documents for completeness and may request additional documents or information if anything is missing or unclear. Once the application is accepted, it is assigned a file number and the processing begins.
After the application is submitted, the authorities initiate an investigation to verify the genuineness of the marriage and the accuracy of the information provided. This investigation is conducted by the police or security agencies and typically includes a home visit or interview, as described in detail in the next section. The investigation report is forwarded to the Provincial Directorate, which reviews the application, the investigation findings, and the supporting documents, and prepares a recommendation. The file is then forwarded to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs in Ankara for final review and decision. If the application is approved, the decision is communicated to the Provincial Directorate, and the applicant is invited to complete the citizenship acquisition process, which includes providing biometric data and receiving the Turkish identity card.
The Investigation and Interview Process
The investigation and interview process is one of the most important stages of the citizenship by marriage application, as it is the primary mechanism through which the authorities verify the genuineness of the marriage. The Turkish government takes this verification seriously because of the prevalence of fictitious marriages (marriages of convenience) entered into for the sole purpose of obtaining citizenship, which undermine the integrity of the citizenship system and are a criminal offense under Turkish law. Understanding what to expect during the investigation helps applicants prepare appropriately and demonstrate the genuineness of their marriage.
The investigation typically begins with a home visit by police officers or security personnel, who may arrive unannounced or with advance notice depending on the local practice. During the home visit, the investigators observe the living conditions, looking for evidence that the couple actually lives together as a married couple. They check for signs of shared occupancy such as personal belongings of both spouses, shared bedding and bedroom arrangements, family photographs displayed in the home, and evidence of a shared daily life. The investigators may ask to see the couple's bedroom, living areas, kitchen, and personal spaces. A home that appears to be occupied by only one person, or that shows signs of being staged for the visit, can raise red flags that lead to further investigation or denial of the application.
The interview portion of the investigation involves questioning both spouses, often separately, about their relationship and daily life. The questions are designed to test whether the couple has genuine knowledge of each other and a shared history that would be expected in a real marriage. Common questions include how and where the couple met, details of their courtship and engagement, the circumstances of the wedding, the names and details of each other's family members, daily routines and habits, shared activities and hobbies, and plans for the future. The investigators compare the answers of both spouses to check for consistency, and significant discrepancies between the spouses' accounts can raise suspicions of a fictitious marriage.
Neighbors, building managers (kapici), and other community members may also be questioned as part of the investigation. They may be asked whether they have seen both spouses living at the address, whether the couple appears to have a normal marital relationship, and whether there are any circumstances that suggest the marriage is not genuine. The investigation report, which summarizes the findings of the home visit, interviews, and any other inquiries, is a key document in the decision-making process. A positive investigation report that confirms the genuineness of the marriage significantly supports the application, while a negative report that raises concerns about the marriage's authenticity can lead to denial. Applicants should approach the investigation honestly and naturally, as attempts to deceive the investigators are likely to be detected and will have serious consequences for the application.
Required Documents
The documentation requirements for Turkish citizenship by marriage are extensive and must be fulfilled precisely to avoid delays or rejection. The specific documents required may vary slightly depending on the applicant's nationality, the province where the application is submitted, and any changes to the regulatory requirements. However, the core set of documents is standardized across all applications, and understanding these requirements helps applicants prepare their documentation package efficiently and completely.
Identity and civil status documents form the foundation of the application package. These include the applicant's valid passport (with at least six months' remaining validity), a certified copy of the Turkish marriage registration (evlenme kayit ornegi) obtained from the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship, the applicant's birth certificate apostilled or legalized and translated into Turkish, and any previous divorce decrees or death certificates of former spouses (apostilled, legalized, and translated) if applicable. These documents establish the applicant's identity, marital status, and personal history.
Residency and address documentation includes the current residence permit (ikamet izni), which must be valid at the time of application, and proof of the current residential address, which can be established through the address registration system (adres kayit sistemi) maintained by the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship. The address registration should show both spouses registered at the same address, which is an important indicator of cohabitation. Utility bills, lease agreements, or property deeds showing the couple's shared residence can provide additional supporting evidence.
Security and background documentation includes a criminal background check (adli sicil kaydi) from Turkey, obtained from the Public Prosecutor's Office or through the e-Devlet platform, and a criminal record certificate from the applicant's home country, apostilled or legalized and translated into Turkish. The home country criminal record check must be recent, typically no older than six months. Additional documents may include four biometric passport-sized photographs meeting the specified technical requirements, a completed application form (available at the Provincial Directorate), and any other documents specifically requested by the processing office. Working with a lawyer who is familiar with the current requirements and the practices of the specific Provincial Directorate where the application will be submitted is the most effective way to ensure that the documentation package is complete and properly prepared.
The Three-Year Waiting Period
The three-year waiting period between the marriage and the citizenship application is a significant period in the life of a foreign spouse in Turkey, and understanding how to navigate this period effectively helps ensure a smooth transition from temporary resident to citizen. During these three years, the foreign spouse typically holds a family residence permit (aile ikamet izni), which is issued based on the marriage to a Turkish citizen and allows the foreign spouse to live in Turkey with certain rights and limitations.
The family residence permit is obtained through an application to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Il Goc Idaresi Mudurlugu). The permit is initially issued for a period of up to two years and can be renewed as needed. To obtain the family residence permit, the foreign spouse must provide the marriage certificate, a valid passport, biometric photographs, proof of health insurance, proof of the Turkish spouse's income or financial capacity, and other documents as required. The residence permit allows the foreign spouse to live in Turkey, access healthcare services, and in some cases, work with an additional work permit. However, it does not provide the full rights of citizenship, such as the right to vote, unrestricted employment rights, or access to certain government services and benefits.
During the three-year waiting period, the couple should be building and documenting the evidence of their genuine marital relationship that will be needed for the citizenship application. This includes maintaining a shared residence, building shared financial records (joint bank accounts, shared expenses, etc.), accumulating photographs and documentation of their life together, maintaining social relationships as a couple (visiting family, attending social events, traveling together), and generally living a normal married life. The investigation that accompanies the citizenship application will examine the entire period of the marriage, not just the current situation, so it is important to maintain consistent evidence of the relationship throughout the waiting period.
If the marriage ends during the three-year waiting period, whether through divorce, annulment, or the death of the Turkish spouse, the foreign spouse loses eligibility for citizenship through the marriage route. However, if the Turkish spouse dies after the citizenship application has been submitted, the application may still be processed if the marriage was genuine and the couple was living together at the time of the spouse's death. Similarly, if the couple separates or divorces after the application is submitted but before it is decided, the application will likely be denied. It is important to maintain the marriage in good standing throughout the entire application process, from submission to final decision, to avoid jeopardizing the application.
Processing Timeline and Decision
The processing timeline for Turkish citizenship by marriage applications can vary significantly depending on the province where the application is submitted, the current workload of the processing offices, the completeness and quality of the application package, and the findings of the investigation. Understanding the typical timeline helps applicants manage their expectations and plan their affairs accordingly, while also recognizing that individual cases may proceed faster or slower than the average.
After the application is submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship, the initial document review and file preparation typically takes two to four weeks. During this period, the directorate reviews the submitted documents for completeness, verifies the information against government records, and prepares the file for the investigation stage. If any documents are missing or deficient, the applicant is notified and given the opportunity to provide the missing items, which can add additional time to this stage.
The investigation stage, including the home visit, interviews, and preparation of the investigation report, typically takes one to three months. The timing depends on the availability of the investigating officers, the complexity of the case, and any follow-up inquiries that may be needed. After the investigation is completed and the report is prepared, the Provincial Directorate reviews all the materials and prepares its recommendation, which is then forwarded to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nufus ve Vatandaslik Isleri Genel Mudurlugu) in Ankara for the final decision.
The final review and decision at the General Directorate level typically takes three to six months. During this period, the file undergoes a security screening by the relevant intelligence and security agencies, a legal review by the citizenship department, and a final decision by the authorized official. If the application is approved, the approval decision is communicated to the Provincial Directorate, which then contacts the applicant to complete the citizenship acquisition process. If the application is denied, the applicant is notified of the denial and the reasons for it, and the applicant has the right to challenge the decision through administrative and judicial remedies. The total timeline from application submission to final decision is typically six months to one year, with some cases taking longer in exceptional circumstances.
Rights and Obligations After Citizenship
Acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage confers the same rights and obligations as citizenship acquired through any other route, making the new citizen a full and equal member of Turkish society. Understanding these rights and obligations helps new citizens navigate their new status and take full advantage of the opportunities that Turkish citizenship provides while fulfilling their responsibilities as Turkish citizens.
The rights of Turkish citizenship include the right to reside in Turkey indefinitely without any residence permit requirement, the right to work in any profession or business without a work permit, the right to vote in elections and referendums, the right to be elected to public office, the right to access public education and healthcare services, the right to hold a Turkish passport, the right to enter and leave Turkey freely, and the right to benefit from Turkey's consular protection services abroad. These rights are enjoyed equally by all Turkish citizens regardless of how they acquired citizenship, and there is no distinction in Turkish law between citizens by birth, by naturalization, by marriage, or by investment.
The obligations of Turkish citizenship include compliance with Turkish laws and regulations, payment of taxes on Turkish-source income (and on worldwide income for tax residents), compulsory military service for male citizens (which can be fulfilled through alternative service or compensated military service), and participation in the civil registration system (maintaining accurate address registration and reporting changes in personal circumstances). New citizens should also be aware that Turkish authorities will treat them as Turkish citizens when they are in Turkey, regardless of any other citizenship they may hold, which means that the consular services of their other country of citizenship may have limited ability to assist them in Turkey.
Turkish citizenship acquired through marriage is generally permanent and is not affected by subsequent changes in marital status, such as divorce from the Turkish spouse. However, the citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained through fraud, false statements, or the concealment of material facts. Specifically, if the authorities determine that the marriage was fictitious and was entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining citizenship, they can initiate revocation proceedings within five years of the citizenship being granted. The revocation proceedings are conducted through the courts, and the affected person has the right to legal representation and due process. To avoid any risk of revocation, applicants should ensure that their marriage is genuine, that all information provided in the application is accurate and truthful, and that no material facts are concealed from the authorities.
Fictitious Marriages and Legal Consequences
The Turkish government takes a firm stance against fictitious marriages (evlilik yoluyla sahte vatandaslik) that are entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining citizenship. The detection and punishment of fictitious marriages is a priority for the authorities, and the legal consequences for those involved can be severe. Understanding these consequences is important for all applicants, both to appreciate the seriousness with which the authorities approach the issue and to ensure that genuine applicants are not inadvertently caught up in anti-fraud measures.
A fictitious marriage, in the context of citizenship applications, is a marriage that is not based on a genuine intention to establish a marital relationship but is instead arranged primarily to enable the foreign spouse to obtain Turkish citizenship. Common indicators of a fictitious marriage that the authorities look for include a large age difference between the spouses, a very short courtship before marriage, an inability of the spouses to communicate in a common language, a lack of knowledge about each other's personal details, separate living arrangements, evidence of financial payments in exchange for the marriage, previous involvement in immigration-related fraud, and inconsistencies in the spouses' accounts of their relationship.
If a fictitious marriage is detected before the citizenship application is decided, the application will be denied. If the fictitious nature of the marriage is discovered after citizenship has been granted, the citizenship can be revoked within five years through a court proceeding. Additionally, both parties to a fictitious marriage may face criminal prosecution for fraud (dolandiricilik) and document forgery (evrakta sahtecilik) under the Turkish Penal Code, which can result in imprisonment. The foreign spouse may also face deportation and a re-entry ban, and the Turkish spouse may face penalties for aiding and abetting the fraud.
For genuine applicants, the anti-fraud measures should not be a source of concern, but they do underscore the importance of maintaining thorough documentation of the marriage and being prepared for the investigation process. Keeping records of the couple's life together, maintaining honest and consistent communication with the authorities, and approaching the investigation process transparently and cooperatively are the best ways to ensure a smooth application process. If you have any concerns about how the investigation process may affect your application, consulting with a lawyer who has experience with citizenship by marriage cases can provide reassurance and guidance.
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Several special circumstances can affect the citizenship by marriage process, and understanding how these situations are handled helps applicants in non-standard situations navigate the process effectively. These special circumstances include cases where the Turkish spouse dies before or during the application process, cases where the couple has children, cases involving applicants from countries that do not permit dual citizenship, and cases where the marriage has periods of separation or difficulty.
If the Turkish spouse dies after the three-year marriage period has been completed but before the citizenship application is submitted, the surviving foreign spouse can still apply for citizenship by marriage, provided they can demonstrate that the marriage was genuine and that the couple was living together at the time of death. The three-year marriage requirement is considered to have been fulfilled, and the application will be processed on the basis of the evidence of the genuine marriage. If the Turkish spouse dies during the three-year waiting period, the foreign spouse cannot apply for citizenship through the marriage route but may explore other pathways such as general naturalization if they meet the relevant criteria.
Having children together is a strong indicator of a genuine marriage and can support the citizenship application. If the couple has children who are Turkish citizens (by birth to a Turkish parent), this fact will be noted in the application and will weigh favorably in the assessment of the marriage's genuineness. Children born to a Turkish citizen parent automatically acquire Turkish citizenship at birth, regardless of where they are born, and this citizenship is not dependent on the foreign parent's citizenship status. The foreign parent's desire to share citizenship with their children can be a legitimate and persuasive reason for seeking Turkish citizenship.
For applicants from countries that do not permit dual citizenship, acquiring Turkish citizenship may require renouncing the original citizenship. Turkey does not require renunciation of the existing citizenship as a condition for granting Turkish citizenship, but the applicant's home country may require it or may automatically revoke the original citizenship upon the voluntary acquisition of another nationality. In such cases, the applicant must carefully evaluate the consequences of each option and make an informed decision. Some applicants from non-dual-citizenship countries choose to obtain Turkish citizenship and accept the loss of their original citizenship, while others prefer to maintain their original citizenship and continue living in Turkey on a residence permit. Legal advice from lawyers familiar with the citizenship laws of both countries is essential for making this decision.
Impact of Divorce on Citizenship
Understanding how divorce affects Turkish citizenship acquired through marriage is important for both current applicants and those who have already obtained citizenship. The relationship between divorce and citizenship depends on several factors, including the timing of the divorce relative to the citizenship application, the genuineness of the marriage, and the specific circumstances of each case. The general principle is that genuine marriages that lead to legitimate citizenship grants are not affected by subsequent divorce, but fictitious marriages can lead to citizenship revocation regardless of when the divorce occurs.
If the couple divorces before the three-year waiting period is completed, the foreign spouse loses eligibility for citizenship through the marriage route and must pursue other citizenship pathways if desired. If the couple divorces after the three-year period but before the citizenship application is submitted, the foreign spouse is no longer eligible to apply, as the law requires the marriage to be continuing at the time of application. If the couple divorces after the citizenship application is submitted but before it is decided, the application will typically be denied, as the marriage is no longer in effect.
If the couple divorces after Turkish citizenship has been granted, the citizenship is generally not affected, and the foreign spouse retains their Turkish citizenship permanently. This is because Turkish citizenship, once legitimately granted, is a permanent status that is not contingent on the continuation of the marriage. The exception is where the authorities determine that the marriage was fictitious from the outset, in which case they can initiate revocation proceedings within five years of the citizenship grant, regardless of the divorce.
For foreign spouses who are going through a difficult period in their marriage during the citizenship application process, it is important to seek both legal and personal support to navigate the situation. A lawyer experienced in immigration and family law can advise on the best approach, which may include postponing the divorce until after the citizenship decision if the marriage was genuine, or exploring alternative pathways to legal status in Turkey if the marriage is ending. The emotional and practical challenges of managing a marital separation while also navigating the immigration and citizenship system can be significant, and professional guidance helps ensure that the applicant's legal rights and interests are protected throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must I be married to a Turkish citizen to apply for citizenship?
You must be married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years before you can apply for Turkish citizenship by marriage. The three-year period is calculated from the official date of marriage registration. The marriage must be genuine and continuing at the time of application, and you must demonstrate that you are living together as a family unit. The marriage must remain valid throughout the entire application processing period until the final decision is made.
What documents are needed for Turkish citizenship by marriage?
Required documents include your valid passport, marriage certificate registered in Turkey, birth certificate, criminal background check from your home country, current residence permit, four biometric photographs, proof of address in Turkey showing both spouses at the same address, and a completed application form. All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Turkish by a sworn translator. Additional supporting documents demonstrating the genuineness of the marriage may also be beneficial.
Is there an interview for Turkish citizenship by marriage?
Yes. The authorities conduct an investigation to verify the genuineness of the marriage, which typically includes a home visit and interviews with both spouses. The investigators may ask detailed questions about your daily life, your spouse, your living arrangements, and your relationship history. Both spouses may be interviewed separately, and the answers are compared for consistency. Neighbors and community members may also be questioned. A positive investigation report is essential for the approval of the application.
Can I keep my original citizenship when I get Turkish citizenship by marriage?
Turkey permits dual citizenship, so acquiring Turkish citizenship through marriage does not require you to renounce your existing citizenship under Turkish law. However, you should check the dual citizenship laws of your home country, as some countries do not permit dual citizenship and may revoke your original nationality if you voluntarily acquire another. Countries with such restrictions include China, India, and several others. Legal advice from specialists in both jurisdictions is recommended.
What happens to my citizenship if we divorce after I receive Turkish citizenship?
If your Turkish citizenship was legitimately acquired through a genuine marriage, divorce does not affect your citizenship status. Turkish citizenship, once granted, is permanent and is not revoked due to subsequent divorce. However, if the authorities determine within five years of the grant that the marriage was fictitious and was entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining citizenship, they can initiate revocation proceedings regardless of the divorce. Genuine marriages that end in divorce do not trigger citizenship revocation.
Need Help with Turkish Citizenship by Marriage?
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Turkish citizenship by marriage is a significant legal process that requires careful preparation and thorough understanding of the requirements. Whether you are in the early stages of marriage or ready to submit your application, professional legal guidance ensures that every step is handled correctly. Visit our homepage or contact our office directly for expert assistance.